Void vs Zed
Void and Zed are both popular tools in the AI Code Editors space. Void uses a open-source model starting at Free, while Zed is free from Free. Both offer a free tier to get started. Below we break down features, pricing, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide which tool fits your workflow best.
Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Choose Void if you want the open-source cursor alternative with full data privacy.. Void's biggest strengths include fully open-source with no vendor lock-in and complete data privacy with local model option. Choose Zed if you prefer a high-performance code editor with built-in ai and collaboration.. Key advantages include blazing fast — significantly faster than vs code and cursor and free and open-source with no usage limits. It's also rated higher (4.3 vs 3.7).
The open-source Cursor alternative with full data privacy.
A high-performance code editor with built-in AI and collaboration.
| Void | Zed | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Open-source | Free |
| Rating | ★ 3.7 | ★ 4.3 |
| Categories | Code Generation, AI Code Editors | AI Code Editors |
| Key Features | 6 features | 6 features |
| Feature | Void | Zed |
|---|---|---|
| Open-source AI code editor based on VS Code | ✓ | — |
| Bring-your-own LLM provider support | ✓ | — |
| Local model support via Ollama | ✓ | — |
| AI chat with codebase context | ✓ | — |
| Inline code editing and generation | ✓ | — |
| Full VS Code extension compatibility | ✓ | — |
| Built in Rust for maximum performance | — | ✓ |
| Built-in AI assistant with multiple LLM providers | — | ✓ |
| Real-time multiplayer collaboration | — | ✓ |
| Inline AI code generation and transformation | — | ✓ |
| Language server protocol support | — | ✓ |
| Vim mode and extensive keyboard shortcuts | — | ✓ |
Void
Pros
- + Fully open-source with no vendor lock-in
- + Complete data privacy with local model option
- + Familiar VS Code interface and extensions
- + Free to use with any LLM provider
Cons
- − Less polished AI experience than Cursor
- − Early-stage project with ongoing development
- − Local models require significant hardware
Zed
Pros
- + Blazing fast — significantly faster than VS Code and Cursor
- + Free and open-source with no usage limits
- + Native multiplayer collaboration built in
- + Clean, distraction-free interface
Cons
- − Smaller extension ecosystem compared to VS Code
- − macOS and Linux only — no Windows support yet
- − AI features still maturing compared to Cursor
The Bottom Line
Choose Void if: you want the open-source cursor alternative with full data privacy.. It's completely free to use. Keep in mind: less polished ai experience than cursor.
Choose Zed if: you prefer a high-performance code editor with built-in ai and collaboration.. It's completely free to use. It holds a higher user rating (4.3 vs 3.7). Keep in mind: smaller extension ecosystem compared to vs code.
Both tools compete in the AI Code Editors space. The right choice depends on your specific needs, team size, and budget.
